Lokoja: In a heartfelt plea that echoes years of frustration and financial hardship, a coalition of former political officeholders in Kogi State has called on Governor Ahmed Ododo to fulfil the remaining ₦2.7 billion in unpaid salaries and allowances.
The forum’s Chairman, Mr Musa Abdullahi, and Secretary, Mr Muhammad Omale, appealed during a press conference on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Members include former local government chairpersons, vice chairpersons, councillors, and other political office holders across the state.
The forum was formed in 2013 to defend its rights after the State High Court dissolved the councils.
Abdullahi explained that their ordeal began in 2014 when the Kogi State High Court annulled the election of 21 council chairpersons and other office holders.
He noted that the Court of Appeal later set aside the judgment, declaring it null and void.
Although their tenure expired in 2016, former Governor Yahaya Bello pledged to pay arrears of salaries and allowances amounting to N4.7 billion.
He commended Bello for releasing N2 billion in three tranches, noting that Governor Ododo facilitated payment of the third tranche.
The group urged the governor to settle the remaining N2.7 billion, citing hardship caused by illness, hunger, and inability to meet family obligations.
They expressed confidence in Ododo’s ability to redeem the pledge, describing him as a man known to keep his word.
The forum also praised Ododo’s achievements in security support, prompt salary payments, funding of WAEC/NECO fees, road construction, healthcare improvements, and the empowerment of women and youth.
They commiserated with the governor over the death of his father, Alhaji Momoh Ododo, praying Allah grant him Aljanatu Firdaus.
The forum further congratulated the governor and the people of Kogi on their 34th anniversary, wishing him wisdom to steer the state to even greater heights.